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Dense Breast Tissue: What It Means For Mammograms

May 26, 2016 - 9:57 AM

This week on Toward a Cancer-Free World, we’re talking about mammograms for women who have what’s called dense breast tissue.

Ohio recently passed a law requiring hospitals and clinics to notify patients if their mammograms indicate dense breast tissue because increased density can have a masking effect, making it more difficult to detect breast cancer early — when treatment success is highest.

Amy Kerger, DO, a breast radiologist at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute tells us 50 percent of women have dense breast tissue, and they need to know about it so they can talk with their doctors about additional screenings if necessary. Armed with that information, patients can be proactive with their health and understand their risks, and having this conversation with their doctors is an excellent place to start.